Taking on life, love and parenthood one stiletto clad step at a time

Unique fusion at Soet Emporium

Some coffee shops are nestled in hidden alcoves or perched between a bookshop and a boutique. Some are stranded in the middle of busy office blocks and some are straining for air in crowded malls. But the coffee shop-cum-bakery-and-boutique-and-interior design studio Soet Emporium sits on the corner of Durbanville’s Oxford Street and Wellington Road like a bold fashion statement. The colourful stripes on the walls welcome passers-by with the promise of a cheerful cup of coffee ─ and then some.

Soet Emporium is the culmination of years of fervent dreaming and passionate industriousness. Leigh Leonard and Zillah Brits have taken their concept store to a new level of innovation, charm and delectable comfort. They creatively put their heads together and established Soet Emporium, incorporating Soet Bistro, Soet Café Bakery, Güzel Interiors and Zillah Prêt-à-Porter. This exceptional endeavour skillfully combines their love of good coffee, great food, fashion and interior design. The artful fusion of chic elegance and rustic cosiness gives Soet Bistro an enchanting atmosphere. It is a meeting place where coffee connoisseurs, friends, mothers, business people, fashionistas and décor enthusiasts come to indulge in the impressive variation of Soet Emporium services.

Being so passionate about what they do, Zillah and Leigh put careful thought into every detail of this venture. They are committed to serving quality, fresh food and have compiled a menu with “creative but casual” meals, putting their creative stamp on traditional favourites. A perfect example is the unique 100% beef burger, with a homemade patty filled with secret ingredients. And of course the fouda cheese ─ a delightful discovery which falls somewhere between gouda and feta. It is made exclusively by Zillah’s father on his Garden Route farm and is only served at Soet Bistro.

For those who can’t resist a piece of cake, breakfast and lunch are complimented by the café bakery’s treats. The bistro boasts a perfectionist barista and a dedicated baker, who starts the day in the early hours to provide freshly baked artisan bread and a variety of heavenly confectionaries such as the exquisite baked lilac cheesecake. Their wholewheat bread is made with wheat that is brought in from Zillah’s father’s farm and their famous gourmet wraps keep people coming back for another dose of Soet Bistro’s signature secret sauce.

Soet Bistro is an ideal venue for any special occasion, and with catering being part of their offering they provide everything needed to host a unique event. The bistro is partitioned into separate areas ─ each with a particular ambiance. The lively main room includes a sophisticated bar counter (Soet Bistro is fully licenced) where drinks are served. A warm corner is dedicated to Soet Café Bakery ─ as your nose will soon tell you. The café bakery is optimised for a quick over-the-counter service, where customers can literally buy a bun-on-the-run (or a gourmet pie) and it is also an extension of the catering service. A secluded area presents an ideal spot for quiet conversations and leads to a relaxing garden corner.

The owners know it is a challenge to balance work, family and personal time. Hence the Jol Kol, a play area which gives mothers some “me-time” and the opportunity to have their cake and eat it ─ in peace. Soet Bistro even sells locally designed children’s clothing. They are open from 07:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and from 08:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays. Feel free to contact them on 021 975 5294 or at info@soet.co.za, or visit www.soetemporium.co.za andwww.facebook.com/SoetBistro.

And there’s more …

* With a background in textile design, Leigh has an eye for beauty and style – Soet’s interior is evidence enough of that. With her talents in designing elegant and functional interiors, Güzel Interiors provides high-end interior solutions, supplying every need from lighting through to material and décor.